Tombstone Tuesday - Thomas Bleauford Springs (T.B.S.) Denby

The big Denby stone in Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, Missouri

Thomas Bleauford (Bluford) Springs Denby
My paternal 2nd Great Grandfather

His obituary October 4, 1928

T.B.S. Denby ~ Thos. Blueford S Denby was born in Tennessee on May 21, 1846, and departed this life on September 10, 1928 at the home of his daughter. Mrs. Fred Champlin, in Greenfiel, Missouri; aged 82 years, 4 months and 9 days.

On November25, 1868 he was united in marriage with Esther McMasters. To this union nine children were born, five boys and four girls. Two boys with their mother, preceded him in death. Claud of Pearl Missouri, Denzil D. and Mrs. Fred Champlin of Greenfield, Glenn of Prescott, Arizona, Mrs. Maud Stevenson, Mrs. W.L Hannah and Mrs. C.H. Faucett of Los Angeles survive him. Seventeen grandchildren were his.

In the year 1863 he enlisted in the Civil War, 16th Missouri Cavalry, Co. A, under capt. Hayter and served until the close of the war. At the close of the war he settled in Missouri. He served as a county judge and county collector in Greene County, and was U.S. land commissioner in New Mexico for 17 years. 

The declining years of his life were spent in Dade county. He was a memeber of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and his trust in God was implicit. He came to the end of his life calmly and serenely, and was loved, honored and respected by his large circle of friends. 

Age had dimmed his memory on earthly things, but as the writer of these lines sat by his side he talked clearly of the eternal world. He rested his hand in his Savior's care and was ready.

He belonged to the Oddfellows who feel that a good member has been taken from the. He was a student of the Bible, which was first with him, and a constant reader of history, science and literature. The long life was filled with good deeds of loving kindness, and his citizenship was a rich heritage to posterity.

We extend sympathy to the family, feeling that they have lost a good father and we a good neighbor.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Tom Procter and C.J. Allen at the Champlan home on Tuesday and internment was in Greenfied Cemetery under the auspice of the local I.O.O.F.